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Imaging device, and solid-state imaging element used for same

a solid-state imaging and imaging element technology, applied in the field of imaging devices and solid-state imaging elements used in the same, can solve the problems of reducing frame rate, distance-measuring errors, and inability to eliminate the influence of interference light, so as to increase the exposure period and reduce the frame rate

Active Publication Date: 2018-08-09
PANASONIC SEMICON SOLUTIONS CO LTD
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The objective of this patent is to provide an imaging device and solid-state imaging element that can suppress interference without decreasing frame rate or increasing exposure period. This means that the device can capture clear images without being affected by interference, which can improve the overall image quality. A technical effect of this patent is that it provides a solution to a problem that has previously existed in imaging devices, where interference can affect image quality. This solution can help to improve the performance of imaging devices by reducing interference and improving image quality.

Problems solved by technology

In other words, even when difference calculation included in distance-measuring calculation is performed, the influence of interference light cannot be eliminated.
This causes a distance-measuring error.
In the case where, in the TOF camera, an additional time is added to each light emission cycle for irradiation light to modulate the cycle of the light emission signal to thereby disrupt the cyclicity of light emission and uniformize the interference light component included in each exposure signal necessary for distance-measuring calculation, the light emission period and the exposure period increase by the additional time, which leads to a decrease in frame rate.

Method used

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  • Imaging device, and solid-state imaging element used for same
  • Imaging device, and solid-state imaging element used for same
  • Imaging device, and solid-state imaging element used for same

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

embodiment 1

[0035]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the schematic structure of an imaging device (distance-measuring imaging device) according to Embodiment 1. Imaging device 1 illustrated in the drawing applies light to and receives reflected light from an object, to measure the distance to the object (or sense the object). Imaging device 1 includes light source 11, light receiver 12, controller 13, and TOF calculator 14. The drawing also illustrates object OB. Imaging device 1 measures the distance from imaging device 1 to object OB (i.e. senses object OB).

[0036]Light source 11 is a light source that applies light (irradiation light, pulse light, light emission signal) at timing indicated by a light emission control signal. In this embodiment, light source 11 irradiates object OB with light according to the timing of receiving a light emission control signal generated by controller 13. For example, light source 11 includes a drive circuit, a capacitor, and a ligh...

embodiment 2

Variation 2 of Embodiment 2

[0096]In this variation, controller 13 outputs the light emission control signal and exposure control signal for skipping the light emission control signal pulse and the exposure control signal pulse.

[0097](b) in FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a pattern in which the light emission control signal pulse and the exposure control signal pulse of one cycle are skipped.

[0098]By skipping the light emission control signal pulse and the exposure control signal pulse of the second cycle, TAOFF_2 is modulated to TAOFF_3. A different random number pattern can thus be generated.

Other Embodiments

[0099]Although an imaging device and a solid-state imaging element used for the same according to the present disclosure have been described by way of the foregoing embodiments, an imaging device and a solid-state imaging element used for the same according to the present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing embodiments. Other embodiments obtained by combining any struc...

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PUM

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Abstract

An imaging device includes: a light source that applies light at a timing according to a light emission control signal; a light receiver that performs exposure to reflected light from an object at different timings according to an exposure control signal, and outputs exposure signals generated as a result of the exposure; a calculator that calculates a distance to the object; and a controller that outputs the light emission control signal and the exposure control signal for any of: modulating a length of a light emission period and an exposure period by increasing or decreasing the number of pulses of each of the light emission control signal and the exposure control signal; and modulating a repetition sequence of the light emission period and the exposure period while maintaining a phase relationship between the light emission control signal and the exposure control signal, randomly or in conformity with a specific rule.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a U.S. continuation application of PCT International Patent Application Number PCT / JP2016 / 004468 filed on Oct. 4, 2016, claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 239300 filed on Oct. 9, 2015, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates to an imaging device, and a solid-state imaging element used for the same.2. Description of the Related Art[0003]In time of flight (TOF) distance-measuring calculation, at least two exposure signals are obtained for reflected light from an object, and the time difference or the phase difference between light emission and light reception (the time required for light to travel to and from the object) is calculated from the obtained exposure signal amounts, to perform distance-measuring calculation.[0004]The distance-measuring calculation typically involves difference calcula...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H04N5/235G06T7/514H04N5/355G01S7/4865G01S17/10G01S17/894
CPCH04N5/2352H04N5/2353H04N5/2354G06T7/514H04N5/3559G01C3/06G01S17/10G01S7/4865G01S17/894H04N23/72H04N23/73H04N23/74H04N25/59
Inventor KISHIMOTO, MASAYATAKANO, HARUKAMATSUO, JUNICHI
Owner PANASONIC SEMICON SOLUTIONS CO LTD